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Archives

 

Welcome to the Archives of the Diocese of Burlington

Mission

The mission of the diocesan Archives is to collect, organize, preserve and (when possible) make available for research the historical and vital records of the Diocese of Burlington, as well as the materials which reflect the work of the Church within the Diocese to promote an understanding of and cultivate an appreciation for the Catholic Church’s history and heritage in the State of Vermont. In addition to caring for events of the past, the Archives exist to ensure that diocesan acts created today are preserved for future generations. 

What are the Diocesan Archives?

The Archives of the Diocese of Burlington contain historical materials pertaining to bishops, the chancery, parishes, diocesan offices, institutions, personal papers, audiovisual materials, and photographs as well as a diverse collection of relics that are available to be borrowed by parishes for veneration.   

The Diocesan Archives are a service organization that exist primarily for their institutional usefulness to the administration of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington.  Therefore, it is the primary purpose of the archival function to assist the Bishop, Chancery, and all offices and agencies of the diocese with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.  

Learn about the history of the Diocese of Burlington.

 
Diocesan Offices Holy Days and holidays 2024:
  • Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and New Year’s Day (observed):  Monday, January 1, 2024
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:  Monday, January 15, 2024
  • Presidents Day:  Monday, February 19, 2024
  • Good Friday (offices close at noon):  Friday, March 29, 2024
  • Memorial Day:  Monday, May 27, 2024
  • Independence Day:  Tuesday, July 4, 2024
  • Labor Day:  Monday, September 2, 2024
  • Thanksgiving:  Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29, 2024
  • Christmas Break:  December 24 through December 31, 2024

Contact

Kathleen Messier

Assistant Archivist
Email  

 

Office Hours 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays
8 am to 1 pm

 

Historic Record Collection

The diocesan Archives serve as the repository for the historical and administrative records of the Diocese of Burlington. These records are arranged in specific collections such as the records and papers of bishops, Chancery offices and consultative bodies, historic records of parishes and schools and sacramental records.  Each of these collections contain various records which may include photographs, audiovisual material, printed parish histories, programs from significant diocesan or parish events, maps and blueprints, and artifacts. 

Currently, the Diocesan Archives are not open for public research.  For more information on the types of records available for research, for specific research questions, or sacramental record inquiries, please contact the Archives directly.

Sacramental Record Collection

The Archives repository makes the heritage of the Diocese of Burlington available for historical researchers within the guidelines of the canon, civil, and diocesan law. The Archives staff views genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the Catholic church in Vermont.  The Diocesan Archives does not maintain cemetery records.

We will assist researchers within the constraints of available resources such as financial, equipment, space, and staff.

 
Sacramental records – genealogy research

Though the Diocese of Burlington was established in 1853, sacramental records begin as early as 1830. Individuals seeking sacramental records for genealogical research will not receive certified copies of records. Rather, the Archives staff will provide names, dates, and places where sacraments (baptism, marriage, burials) took place, if the records can be located.

Please keep in mind:
  • A copy of the original record will not be provided nor will a certificate be issued.   
  • We cannot accept more than 3 requests per month.  
Personal sacramental records 

All current sacramental registers are retained at the parish where the sacrament took place. Individuals seeking certified copies of their record from an active parish should contact that parishFor contact information for the active parishes of the Diocese of Burlington, visit the parish directory.

The Diocesan Archives will assist in sacramental records retrieval only in the event that individuals are unsure of the parish where the sacrament took place.

Access only if unsure of location of the sacrament

Orphanage Records Requests

Records of the former St. Joseph’s Orphanage are maintained by the office of Vermont Catholic Charities. 

  • Former residents or immediate relatives of former residents must make requests in writing and provide a valid photo ID.
  • Those seeking orphanage information for genealogy purposes must also make requests in writing and provide a valid photo ID; only entry and/or exit dates relating ancestors to the Orphanage will be provided.
Please carefully review the access policy and procedures for requesting records from St. Joseph’s Orphanage.
 

Archives Detective 

 Vermont Catholic Magazine‘s quarterly column

 

Michaud Memorial Manor was crated from the Triple-L Motel
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Winter 2022 (December 2022)

Our blessing cup – Christ’s blood shared in communion
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2022 (September 2022)

Let’s Eat! Celebrating Burlington’s New Bishops
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2022 (June 2022)

The Sisters of Mercy in Vermont
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Winter 2021 (December 2021)

St. Joseph’s College – Vermont’s First Catholic High School
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2021 (September 2021)

 

Building St. Joseph Church – French Canadians in Burlington
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Spring 2021 (March 2021)

What’s in a name and why is it written like that? 
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2020 (June 2020)

From the Archives

Look for #FromtheArchives articles in Vermont Catholic Online News, Coffee with Vermont Catholics, and posts on diocesan social media accounts by following @DioBurlington on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Archives Month Vermont Catholic Online News, October 16, 2019

Cause for Celebration: Bishop de Goësbriand to be recommended for sainthood Vermont Catholic Online News, April 17, 2019

A bishop’s request Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2017

A donation of sacred vessels Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2017

Preserving Our Past Vermont Catholic Magazine, September 2016